Swayze, Diana “Dee” Seren

Fairport – June 11, 1941 – October 20, 2018

A beautiful spirit, lost too soon, after a courageous battle with a summer-long illness. She left us peacefully, surrounded by family. Pre-deceased by her mother and father, Anna and Robert Seren, and by her brother, David Seren. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Sam; son Jeffrey Swayze (Colleen), daughter Kelly Casson (Chris), grandsons Sean and Colin Swayze; granddaughters Kate and Anna Casson; sister Bernadette (Brent) Evangelist, niece and nephew Megan and Ryan Evangelist; brothers Robert, Joseph and Donald Seren and many other nieces and nephews.

Dee was a kind, loving and gentle soul who devoted much of her life to caring for others, always putting their needs above her own. A selfless giver, she worked as a Registered Nurse until her children were born. Once the children were grown, she devoted herself to eighteen years of volunteering at Advent House, applying her unique skills and spirit to her care for the dying. Throughout her caregiver years and for many years after, she also contributed her knowledge of antiques and collectibles to her tireless work for the Advent House’s huge annual garage sales and, subsequently, to Sweet Charity, their new resale shop in Fairport. Her joys were her family, her many friends, a good book, her deck with its flowers and bird feeders, and shopping at her favorite stores (but “never pay full price!”). Her warmth and gentleness were spiced with her fun-loving nature and special sense of humor that made her all the more endearing. She maintained her grace, dignity and humor throughout her long and difficult struggle. She was loved by all who knew her and will leave a void that will never be filled. It is said that when an older person dies, a library burns down. In that light, with Dee’s incredible family memory, an enormous library has been lost. The family deeply thanks the volunteers and staff of Advent House, many of whom were her old friends and fellow caregivers, for giving Dee such loving attention and care during her final weeks. When she knew how things would end, she mused, “Hold someone’s hand in need and be kind to one another – that’s what I want. No flowers”. In her memory, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Advent House, 1010 Moseley Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. The family invites friends to gather at Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY, 1:00-5:00PM, November 3, 2018, to share our love of Dee and memories of her life.